THE war-torn deserts of Afghanistan are one of the last places you would expect to see a window sticker proclaiming ‘I love Southport’.

But for RAF squadron leader Tony Ward, the logo – along with a copy of the Visiter – is a simple reminder of his cherished home, where his wife of 15 years waits.

The 43-year-old is on a half-year tour of duty at the heart of the controversial conflict, based at NATO headquarters in Kandahar.

And with deadly rocket attacks and roadside bombs detonating as a daily occurrence, the former casino worker has to live with danger to support frontline troops.

Sqn Ldr Ward told the Visiter: “Being out there can often feel a fairly lonely experience and the smallest reminders of home mean a great deal.

“The ‘I love Southport’ sticker, copies of the Visiter I’m sent along with letters from family and friends become really important.

“Everything is sand-coloured out here and I thought theŠsticker brightened the place up a bit.ŠEveryone thinks it’s pretty quirky.”

Sqn Ldr Ward, of Burnley Road in Ainsdale, moved to the town in 1998 with wife Karen Roberts after graduating from officers’ school in Cranwell.

Although he had volunteered to serve in battle since joining, his first opportunity arose in August where he oversees two key duties.

He said: “I cannot go into too much detail about my role but my staff include Canadians, Americans, Dutch, Australians and, of course, Brits.Š

“It's a fascinating place with all sorts of bizarre and interesting occurrences, not least the many rocket attacks and road-side bombs that affect our day-to-day activities.

“But the manyŠdifferences among the respective nations are all bridged by our collective support for the troops on the ground – theŠguysŠand girls thatŠhave to deal with situations that most of us can only imagine.”

Despite debate among politicians over the spiralling cost and strategy of the war, Sqn Ldr Ward says strong support from the British public heartens every servicemen.

And he pointed to a recent trip from London to Southport he made in full desert kit, when he was repeatedly stopped by passers-by.

“At first I was very conscious of the obvious staring and whispered remarks but when a businessman broke away from his group to thank me for the “great job you’re doing”, I was staggered. It turned out to be the first of many shows of support.

“The warmth from the general public is incredible. I feel honoured to wear a uniform that is so obviously respected by the British public.

“Knowing that the people at home openly support usŠmakes us proud to wear the uniform and we serve knowing people are hoping for our safe return.”